Ala Moana Center (AMC) is in its fifth year of a spring fling of activities centered around style, beauty, health and lots of entertainment in between. After all, AMC is the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, so there is a lot of ground to cover from high-end retail, to handmade sushi, to bandaids and sunscreen. Each year, they spend a week promoting the best shopping possibilities and can be counted on for promotions, giveaways and special sales.

This year’s Shop A Lea featured a television fashionist from “Project Runway” – Michael Costello.

Fans of Bravo’s Project Runway will immediately recognize the names Andy South and Michael Costello, both of whom participated in this year’s event. For those who don’t – Andy was a local designer, prior to his fame, and guest designer here at last year’s event. Michael is a participant in the “All Stars” series and featured the latest fashion trends that can be found around the mall. Although it would have been neat to see some of Michael’s own designs in the show, the crowd still gave an enthusiastic response nonetheless.

He spent his time on stage chatting with hostess Robyn Gee about the show and reviewing what’s hot in fashion. I enjoyed watching him analyze the ensembles on mannequins and describe fashion trends. Here’s what we learned:

He joked that a “gay best friend” is the best shopping partner to have for advice in the dressing room.

Michael discussing colors and accessories on stage.

The little sequined or metallic handbag is very in and can be carried anywhere. Orange is still a h3 color for spring that will stay, and he loves chartreuse with red, bright blue with lime and berry with nude.

The looks on the last two mannequins are perfect for here in Hawaii, with flowy fabrics and variable hem lengths. I’ve seen this look all over the mall at all cost points. They would be perfect for your Hawaii vacation as well as back home. Because our weather is so perfect year round, a vacationer has a “second chance” to wear their favorite summer fashions when they come here and pick up some new ones. Next year if you’re in town for the next Shop A Lea event, then stop by for a joyful celebration of shopping bliss!

(Clockwise starting top left) Special “Pig” design featured at event. Me with the hostess Robyn Gee. Fashion and drinks at the media event.